Ephesians 6 4

Ephesians 6:4 kjv

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 nkjv

And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 niv

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 esv

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 nlt

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

Ephesians 6 verses

Ephesians 6 4 Meaning

Fathers should not provoke their children to anger. Instead, they are to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This guidance focuses on a father's responsibility to nurture his children in a godly manner, avoiding harshness that would lead to resentment and fostering their spiritual growth through consistent teaching and training rooted in God's Word.

Ephesians 6 4 Context

Ephesians 6:4 is part of a section addressing relationships within the Christian household. Following instructions for wives and husbands, Paul turns his attention to fathers and children. This instruction comes in a cultural context where patriarchy was the norm, but Paul redirects patriarchal authority towards a God-centered model of nurturing and guidance, not mere dominance. Historically, Roman households had extensive paternal power, including life and death. However, Paul's emphasis on "discipline and instruction of the Lord" points to a higher authority and a different purpose than simply societal or personal control. The cultural milieu of the first century would have seen children as largely extensions of their father's will and status.

Ephesians 6 4 Word Analysis

• "Fathers" (πατέρες - patères): This plural noun refers to fathers or progenitors. It can extend to those in positions of authority resembling a father, though here primarily addressed to biological fathers within the family unit.
• "do not provoke" (μὴ ἐρεθίζετε - mē erethízete): This is a present imperative, meaning "do not continuously or habitually provoke." The verb erethízo signifies to stir up, incite to anger, irritate, or exasperate. It implies provoking a reaction of sustained bitterness or rebellion.
• "your children" (τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν - ta tékna hymōn): Tékna means children, offspring, or descendants. The possessive hymōn (your) indicates the direct responsibility of the fathers for their children.
• "to anger" (εἰς ὀργήν - eis orgḗn): Orghḗ denotes wrath, anger, indignation, or displeasure. The preposition eis indicates the purpose or result of the provocation.
• "but" (ἀλλὰ - allá): A strong adversative conjunction, introducing a contrasting or superior course of action.
• "bring them up" (ἐκτρέφετε - ektrépointee): This verb literally means "to nourish up" or "to rear up." It carries connotations of feeding, raising, and fostering growth, implying a holistic approach to nurturing.
• "in the" (ἐν - en): A preposition indicating location or sphere.
• "discipline" (παιδείᾳ - paideíā): This noun signifies training, instruction, correction, or discipline. It encompasses more than punishment; it includes guidance, teaching, and shaping character. It's derived from pais (child), emphasizing the process of training a child.
• "and" (καὶ - kai): A coordinating conjunction.
• "instruction" (νουθεσίᾳ - nouthesíā): This term denotes admonition, instruction, exhortation, or guidance, particularly a gentle correction or a guiding word of counsel. It focuses on the mental and moral guidance provided.
• "of the Lord" (Κυρίου - Kyriou): This genitive case indicates the source and standard of the discipline and instruction. It is to be in accordance with the Lord's nature, commands, and example.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "do not provoke your children to anger": This phrase cautions against methods or attitudes that would consistently foster resentment, defiance, or a rebellious spirit in children. This could arise from favoritism, unfairness, inconsistency, or excessively harsh discipline devoid of love and understanding.
• "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord": This is the positive counterpoint. It advocates for a parenting style characterized by God's standards. Paideia and nouthesia together highlight both the shaping of behavior through training and correction, and the imparting of knowledge and understanding through teaching and counsel. The "of the Lord" aspect underscores that this process must align with biblical principles and the model of Christ.

Ephesians 6 4 Bonus Section

The emphasis on the Lord (Kyriou) as the standard for discipline and instruction is crucial. It signifies that Christian parenting is not a cultural imposition but a reflection of God’s covenantal relationship with His people. This echoes the Old Testament mandate in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 for parents to diligently teach God’s commandments to their children. Furthermore, the instruction is holistic, covering not just outward behavior but inner disposition, aiming for the child to internalize God's ways. The role of the Holy Spirit in empowering parents for this task, as taught in passages like Acts 1:8 and John 14:26, is also an implicit aspect, enabling them to live out these principles.

Ephesians 6 4 Commentary

This verse offers a pivotal principle for Christian fatherhood. It's not just about providing for physical needs, but about spiritual and moral formation. Provoking children to anger often results from parenting styles that are overly severe, inconsistent, unjust, or fail to consider the child's perspective and needs, leading to emotional damage and rebellion. Instead, fathers are called to a balanced approach using God's own methods for child-rearing. This includes firm, loving discipline (paideia) that corrects and guides, and consistent instruction (nouthesia) that instills God's truth and values. The ultimate standard is the Lord, meaning parenting should reflect Christ's character, wisdom, and love. This nurture fosters a healthy, obedient, and spiritually resilient generation, ensuring they grow in their relationship with God and develop godly character.

Practical usage: A father consistently teaches his children the Bible daily, praying with them, and also administers gentle but firm correction when they misbehave, explaining why the behavior is wrong from a biblical perspective, rather than simply punishing in anger.